Significant increase in intent to travel this year: Poll

A recent poll initiated by Travelocity has indicated that there has been a dramatic increase in travel intentions, indicating traveller confidence is on the rise.

The online travel company’s second Traveler Confidence Report finds that nearly half of respondents plan to increase their travel in 2010 as compared to 2009.

Travelocity stated that great deals, especially on hotels, have given travellers confidence to hit the road and take to the skies in 2010.

The report gauges travellers’ plans and attitudes now as compared to six months prior and one year prior. The following findings are based on the intentions of more than 2,000 North Americans surveyed by Travelocity.

Highlights:

Travel intentions up: Significantly more respondents (49 percent) plan to increase their travel in the year ahead, compared to 21 percent six months ago and just 10 percent in 2009. Another 44 percent plan to travel “about the same” as compared to last year. The number of travellers planning to decrease travel is down significantly to 7 percent, from 34 percent one year ago and 24 percent six months ago.

Decreased hotel rates have positive impact: When asked how lower prices would impact travel plans, 33 percent said they would stay in a higher star-rated hotel; 30 percent said they would take a trip they had not expected to take; and 18 percent said they would extend their stay.

Travel budgets on the rise: The majority of respondents (56 percent) did not have a predetermined travel budget for 2010. Of those with a predetermined travel budget, 34 percent plan to increase that budget.

Travelers committed to saving money: An overwhelming 76 percent of respondents are at least somewhat likely to book a vacation package as a way to save money.

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